Ferrari 458 Italia

If you only get to drive one Ferrari ever, it should be the 458 Italia. The latest evolution of the mid-engine V8 Ferrari lineage, the 458 Italia is the quintessential Italian supercar. It has the looks. It has the power. It has the sound. In other words, it has it all. One drive will have you hooked for life.

Let’s start with the looks. A product of its mechanical package, the styling of the 458 Italia is pure Italian sex. Clean, purposeful and devoid of unnecessary flourishes, the shape was carved for one thing: going fast. It starts with a low nose to slice through the air, interrupted only by functional ducts to cool the front-mounted radiators. Those little chin spoilers in the openings? They actually change shape as speed increases, giving the 458 Italia an active aerodynamic advantage so good it was banned by Formula1.

The minimalist cockpit envelops the driver and one lucky passenger. One look around the interior tells you it was designed by race car engineers. Carbon fiber, aluminum and leather dominate the space, broken up only occasionally by luxuries such as stereo, navigation and climate controls. If you hadn’t received the message yet, it should be clear by now: this is a driver’s car.

The bodywork continues gracefully to the back, where the engine lives. It’s right there, in plain view under a glass cover. Integrated into the rear quarter-window openings, subtle intake vents supply fresh air to the engine; the tail section is a masterpiece of clean mesh (to keep things cool) and massive diffusers (to clean up the airflow).

Now, about the power. The 458 Italia’s 4.5-liter V8 is Ferrari’s most powerful roadgoing V8 ever, making 562 horsepower. All that power takes a short trip through the 7-speed transmission to the rear wheels. Shifting is lightning-quick thanks to a Formula1-derived automatic clutch, electronic locking differential and F1-Trac traction control, getting the Italia to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds from a standing start.

And the sound, you ask? Well, plant that right foot on the gas pedal and you’ll be rewarded with a Banshee howl that can only come from a Ferrari. Precise and sharp off idle, it builds revs with a furious shriek as it races toward redline. And then it shifts and starts climbing again. It would take a lot of road to wind through all seven gears, but your ears would be eternally thankful if you did.

Our Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped for your adventure with the following features:

Seven-speed F1 gearbox with paddle shifters and automatic clutch
Navigation system
Premium audio system

from Gotham Dream Cars